Mountain Tool Holster

ABSTRACT

A system or device for securely holding mountain tools, such as ice axes/ice tools and hiking, skiing or avalanche probe poles (and other such tools), on a backpack in a manner that allows the user to easily and conveniently acquire the tool when needed without first removing the backpack. This is applicable in emergency situations such as a crevasse fall where an ice axe in needed for preparing a rescue anchor or in the event of an avalanche where a probe pole is needed for a victim search. The system also allows for easy and convenient stowing of mountain tools without removal of the backpack as the situation dictates in non-emergency situations, such as after using the probe pole to probe for crevasses when crossing a glacier or after needing an ice tool for security when a repelling (abseiling) onto an icy stance or when stashing hiking poles when switching from hiking to scrambling.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to US Patent Publication NumberUS-2010-0193558-A1 entitled “Mountain Tool Holster” published Aug. 5,2010, U.S. Non-Provisional patent application No. 12/658,108 entitled“Mountain Tool Holster” filed on Feb. 3, 2010, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/206,822 entitled “Mountain Tool Holster” filed onFeb. 5, 2009 the subject matter which is herein incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to devices and systems used to attachequipment, such as climbing, hiking or other tools/implements, tobackpacks and the like. In particular the invention relates to a holstertype device used to firmly and safely secure an ice axe, avalanche probepole, ski pole or other tool/implement to a backpack in a manner that isboth novel and clearly demonstrates improvement over the prior art.

In climbing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding and other pursuits it iscommon for participants to carry tools on the outside of a backpack thathas some means for the attachment of tools. An example is seen in thedevice patented by Anscher (U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,045). Typically mostattachment mechanisms are located on the front of the backpack (oppositethe side of the backpack that is against the user's back), thus placingthe tools out of reach as long as the backpack is being worn. It is alsocommon for users to be required to perform tasks in sub-freezingtemperatures and participants often wear additional warm layers, gloves(or mittens) and head gear (hats, goggles) that can hamper the finemotor movements and unobstructed vision required to operate currentstate-of-the-art systems.

Travel in the mountains often requires the use of safety tools such asice axes, ice tools and snow probes that typically have sharp pointsthat can present a hazard to the user. These tools are usuallytransported attached to a backpack well away from the user until theyare needed. In an emergency situation, such as a crevasse fall oravalanche, these tools must be deployed quickly, yet the currentstate-of-the-art and standard practice does not allow the tool to bequickly and easily deployed as the backpack it is being transported uponmust first be removed to gain access to the tool. This slows down anyemergency response and can be awkward, difficult and potentiallydangerous. Conversely there are times when a user no longer needs a tooland may wish to stow it upon the backpack. Again the pack must first beremoved to perform this operation. In many circumstances this isdifficult and time consuming and is therefore less than optimal.

Other attachment devices exist that place the tools closer to the useron the side of the pack, but due to the nature of these attachmentsystems the tools are not easily removed (such as with one gloved hand)while the backpack is still being worn by the user. Likewise,re-attaching the tool to the backpack requires an amount of dexteritythat necessitates that the backpack be removed.

Regardless of where the tool is attached to the backpack in currentstate-of-the-art systems (the front of the pack or the side of the pack)the tool is at a distance from the body and in the event of a fall thetool is not well positioned to help protect the user from ground impactforces. In fact the tool may be dislodged (or ripped) from the pack thusbecoming a projectile that could result in injury to the user.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an attachment system thatholds the tool safely and securing to the backpack, that allows the useraccess to tools while wearing the backpack in sub-freezing conditionsand is positioned to help protect the user in the event of a fall.Further, it would be desirable to be able to re-attach a tool to thebackpack while wearing cold weather gear (extra layers, gloves, headgear, etc) without first removing the backpack.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general idea of the invention is to provide a mechanism to safelyand securely fasten a mountain tool (ice axe, ice tool, probe pole,skiing/hiking pole, fishing rod, etc) to any backpack (a genericbackpack or a new backpack design that integrates the invention into thebackpack) in a way that allows the wearer of the backpack to quickly andeasily retrieve the tool for immediate use, without first removing thebackpack. Conversely, the general idea of the invention is to allow theuser to easily (one handed while wearing gloves) safely and securelyre-attach a tool to any backpack without first removing the backpack.

It is also the general idea of the invention to not only reduce thepotential danger inherent to many of the mountain tools, but to use thestrong and rigid nature of these tool to help protect the user from theimpact of a fall by strategically placing the tools on the body. Holdingthe tool close to the hip and along the back means that not only can thetool directly protect the user in the event of a fall by physicallytaking the brunt of an impact, but this placement on the body also meansthat there is little room for acceleration forces to develop between theuser and the tool if the tool is ripped from the backpack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a generic backpack with the devicecomponents attached and labelled.

FIG. 2 shows the sequence of use for a mountain tool with a protuberance(in this instance an ice axe) using the holster component of the system.To stow a tool: read from left to right. To remove a tool: read fromright to left.

FIG. 3 shows the sequence of use for a mountain tool without aprotuberance (in this instance an avalanche probe pole) using the loopcomponent of the system. To stow a tool: read from left to right. Toremove a tool, read from right to left.

FIG. 4 shows the device in use with a tool with a protuberance, in thiscase an ice axe.

FIG. 5 shows the device in use with a tool without a protuberance, inthis case an avalanche probe pole.

FIG. 6 shows the device in use with a tool with its own strap, in thiscase the wrist strap on a typical ski/hike pole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The device described consists of three main components that aremechanically attached to any generic backpack (FIG. 1, Part 1) orintegrated into a new and novel backpack (not shown). Protection issought to cover all future embodiments of the device; from systemsdesigned to retrofit existing backpacks to new designs that integratethe invention directly into a new backpack.

The first main component of the described device is the “holster” (FIG.1, Part 2). The end of the holster that is towards the main body of thebackpack (away for the user) is integrated into or attached to thebackpack through mechanical means (such as, but not limited to, beingsewn, glued or riveted). The other end of the holster is either alsomechanically fastened to the hip-belt (such as, but not limited tobeing, sewn, glued or riveted) or this end may be configured with anadjustment mechanism and integrated into the hip belt tensioning system(not shown) or this end may be slotted and the hip-belt of the backpackmay be threaded through this slot (FIG. 1, Part 2C). The slot serves tohold the distal end of the mountain tool (in this case the pick of anice axe) tight to the hip while also allowing the holster to self-adjustto an optimal position by sliding along the hip-belt as it is beingtightened around the waist. The holster has two sub-components. Theseare: a “safety strap” (FIG. 1, Part 2A) that is attached to the backpackin a variety of ways but whatever mechanism is used the two anchorpoints of this strap are positioned far enough apart to make a looplarge enough for use with gloved hands; and a “safety latch” to hook thesafety strap onto (FIG. 1, Part 2B).

The second component of the described device is the “loop” (FIG. 1, Part3) that is attached by mechanical means (such as, but not limited to, arivet, glue, bolt, etc or integrated into a new backpack design) andruns from the hip area of the backpack towards the front of thebackpack. Another type of “safety strap” (FIG. 6, Part 6) is used tosecure some tools to the loop and this is explained in more detailbelow.

The third component of the described device is the “shaft restrainingstrap” (FIG. 1, Part 4) that is attached (or integrated into a newbackpack design) along the side of the backpack by mechanical means suchas, but limited to, a rivet, glue, bolt, etc.

The holster (FIG. 1, Part 2) functions to both hold tools that have aprotuberance (such as an ice axe or ice tool) tight to the hip, while atthe same time protecting the user from the sharp end of the tool.Therefor the holster must be made out of robust and durable materials toprotect against chronic and acute failure. The holster also has thesafety latch (FIG. 1, Part 2B) attached or molded to it. A safety strap(Part 2A) fashioned out of stretch material is hooked over the latch tofurther secure the tool to the backpack (in use FIG. 2).

The third portion of the invention is the shaft-restraining strap (FIG.1, Part 4). There are many potential embodiments of this component(adjustable and static, non-adjustable and elastic, adjustable andelastic, etc) but all hold the shaft of the tool (the long axis) tightlyagainst the side of the backpack and away from the user's head. Oneembodiment uses the elastic nature of some materials to provide a slightcontinual forward pressure on the tool shaft, pushing the distal end ofthe tool into the holster portion of the device (this cold be also beaccomplished with a static adjustable strap). This passive force must beovercome to first get the end of the tool into the holster andconversely this force must also be overcome to get the end of the toolout of the holster (in the static embodiment the user would have tolengthen and shorten the strap to get the same effect). Theshaft-restraining strap can either be of a fixed length of elasticmaterial and attached to the backpack on both ends or it can be ofadjustable length by having an adjustment mechanism (such as a ladderlock or other type of adjustment mechanism as seen in FIG. 1 Part 4A)attached between one or both ends of the strap and the backpack. Thisadjustment allows for both instantaneous optimization of strap length tofit a variety of different tools and also allows for instant lengtheningof the strap to make a loop large enough for such things as baskets onski and hike poles to easily pass through. It is the intention of thisapplication to protect all possible embodiments of the shaft retainingstrap (one-end adjustable and static; non-adjustable and elastic;one-end adjustable and elastic; two-end adjustable and static; etc).

The holster part (FIG. 1, Part 2) of the device is specifically shapedand constructed to either accommodate the pick of an ice axe, ice toolor whippet (a ski pole with a ice pick built in), however it may also beshaped and constructed to accommodate other types of tools that are notshown. Other shapes may be devised to manage other tools in activitiesthat also use a backpack to transport tools such, but not limited to,fishing rods, rifles, axes, saws, etc. This constitutes an obviousextension of the invention and protection is sought to cover theseembodiments.

The loop component (FIG. 1, Part 4) is designed to securely hold certaintypes of tools that do not have protuberances like the pick on an iceaxe or ice tool. Tools such as a avalanche probe pole or ski pole areheld securely to the backpack by using the shaft-restraining strap inthe same manner as the ice axe example, however because the distal enddoes not have a protuberance that will slide into the holster the loopis used to hold the distal end of the tool in place against thebackpack. These tools are kept from sliding out of the loop in one oftwo ways. The first way is that another type of safety strap (FIG. 5,Part 5) is used that is attached to the tool itself. This safety strapis also made of elastic material and is stretched and routed over theloop component of the device and then over the end of the tool itselfthus holding the tool to the loop (in use FIG. 3). Other tools such ashiking and skiing poles have integrated wrist straps build into them.These wrist straps are used in the same manner as the safety strap inthat they are routed over the loop and then over the end of the toolthus securing them to the loop (FIG. 6, Part 6).

Alternatively it is also possible to create an extension (not shown)designed to attach to the mountain tools that are essentially straight,such as a probe pole, in order to make them easier to secure in theholster. The extension would act like the pick of an ice axe and be heldin the holster by the passive resistance of the shaft restraining strapkeeping the straight tool from slipping out of the holster. It is anintention of this patent application to also protect this embodiment ofthe invention.

USE (FIG. 2, read right to left): To deploy a tool that has aprotuberance (such as a ice axe or ice tool) while wearing the backpackthe user first disengages the safety strap that secures the tool to theholster. The tool is then pushed rearward against the resistance of theshaft-restraining strap until the end is clear of the holster. The toolis swung forward releasing all resistance of the shaft-retaining strapand the tool is easily removed.

USE (FIG. 2, read left to right): To stow a tool that has a protuberance(such as a ice axe or ice tool) while wearing the backpack the userreverses the process by sliding the shaft of the tool under theshaft-restraining strap, adjusting the length of the shaft-restrainingstrap if using an adjustable version, rotating the tool into positionand exerting gentle pressure against the shaft restraining strap so asto be able to insert the distal portion of the tool (the pick of an iceaxe in this case) into the accepting holster. The tool will already bequite secure as the passive resistance of the shaft-restraining strapcauses the distal end of the tool to remain in the holster, however anadditional level of security is created by hooking the safety strap overthe safely latch.

USE (FIG. 3, read right to left): To deploy a tool that does not have aprotuberance (such as an avalanche probe pole) while wearing thebackpack the user first disengages the secondary type of safety strapthat secures the tool to the loop. The tool is then pushed upward untilthe end is clear of the loop. The tool is swung forward releasing allresistance of the shaft-retaining strap and the tool is easily removed.

USE (FIG. 3, read left to right): To stow a tool that does not have aprotuberance (such as a avalanche probe pole) while wearing the backpackthe user reverses the process by sliding the shaft of the tool under theshaft-restraining strap, adjusting the length of the shaft-restrainingstrap if using an adjustable version, rotating the tool into positionand exerting gentle pressure against the shaft restraining strap so asto be able to insert the distal portion of the tool into the acceptingloop. The tool is secured from sliding out of the loop by routing thesecondary safety strap that is attached to the tool over the loop andthen over the end of the tool itself.

What is claimed:
 1. A tool attachment device for generic backpacks (ornew backpack designs that features the device) that is comprised of: aholster component that is located near the hip of the user and isdesigned to hold the distal end of certain types of mountain tools(those that have a protuberance such as a pick on a ice axe/tool, or atool that has an extension attached to it) securely to the backpack; aloop component that is attached to the lower portion of the backpack andis also designed to hold the distal end of certain types of mountaintools (those that do not a protuberance such as hiking, skiing and probepoles) securely to the backpack; a shaft restraining strap that retainsthe shaft (or long axis) of a tool vertically along the side of abackpack and is either of fixed length or is adjustable (to quickly andeasily adjust to different size tools and for making the loop larger topass through items with large ends) and may be deformable (have stretchand memory) so as to provides a resistance force that must be overcomekeeping the distal end of the tool in the holster until the userrequires the tool; and a safety strap and strap latch (or a secondarytype of safety strap that is attached to tools that do not have aprotuberance) that further secures the distal end of the tool at theholster (or loop) for assurance against accidental lose of the tool. 1A.The holster portion of the design according to claim 1 that may bemanufactured out of a variety of potential materials (such as but notlimited to, injected or molded plastic or resin, formed leather of otherrobust materials) as long as said material is rugged enough to withstandthe abuse of sharp tools being repeatedly inserted removed and resistsbreaking (so as to protect the user from the sharp end of the mountaintools) and is capable of having the safety latch attached or molded intoit. 1B. The loop portion of the design according to claim 1 that may bemanufactured out of a variety of potential materials (such as but notlimited to injected or molded plastic or resin, formed leather of otherrobust flexible materials) as long as said material is rugged enough towithstand the abuse of tools being repeatedly inserted and removed andstiff enough to hold its shape and not collapse when the distal end of atools is forced through it. 1C. The shaft retaining strap according toclaim 1 that; is attached to the pack is a variety of ways (such as butnot limited to screws, rivets or other such means); manufactured out ofa variety of potential robust materials (such as but not limited to,plastic tubing, stretch or shock cord, tension or compression springs,webbing, cord, etc); is either adjustable (by having an adjustmentmechanism such as, but limited to, a ladder lock at one or both ends);or is of fixed length and made out of a material with elastic memory (sothat it can be stretched to allow the user to get the tool into theholster or loop and to also create a force that keeps the distal end ofa tool with a protuberance such as an ice axe or ice tool “pushed” intothe holster portion of the device or “gripped” in the loop if the devicedoes not have a protuberance). 1D. The safety strap, (and secondarysafety strap that is attached to some mountain tools that do not nave aprotuberance), and strap latch according to claim 1 that may be made outof a variety of materials as long as said materials for the safety strap(or secondary safety strap) have elastic memory (such as, but notlimited to, elastic/shock cord, stretch tubing, etc) and can bestretched over the loop and tool end (those tools without aprotuberance) or looped over the safety latch (for those tools that havea protuberance) that can be made out of a variety of materials (such asbut not limited to molded plastic or resin, wood, plastic or lightalloy, etc) as long as said materials are capable of being attached tothe holster component of the device.
 2. A tool attachment device thatholds the tool in a manner (vertically along the side of the pack andagainst the hip-belt) that allows quick and easy one-handed deploymentof the tool without removing the backpack and conversely allows the userto stow or attach the tool to the backpack in a safe and secure mannerwithout first removing the backpack.
 3. A tool attachment device thatholds a mountain tool on a backpack in such a manner as to: protect theuser from the sharp and dangerous parts of tools (such as ice axes andice tools) by holding the shaft along the side of the pack whiletrapping the sharp pick end of the tool against the wearer's hip in arobust protective sheath and; protect the user in the event of a fall byholding the tool tightly to the body so that the tool will take thebrunt of the impact forces, while also reducing the potential for thetool to be ripped from the backpack to become a projectile that maycause injury.